BESIDES the landscape of Philippine politics, the Laurel clan also distinguished itself in education by establishing and managing Lyceum of the Philippines University. Lyceum president Roberto P. Laurel has continued to pursue the ideals of the late statesman, former President Jose P. Laurel, by injecting dynamism in the 54-year-old institution through an emphasis on information technology and the hospitality sector, two of fastest-growing sectors of the Philippine economy.

Lyceum established the College of the International Hospitality Management (CIHM) in 1998 in response to the booming demands of the industry, with the aim of becoming the center of academic excellence in hospitality education in the areas of tourism, hotel and restaurant, and cruise line management.

Maria Christina G. Aquino, dean of CIHM, is happy with the support being given by the administration to pursue its goal of becoming a leading provider of quality graduates in the hospitality industry.

“It is the vision of our president who is very supportive and takes a hands-on approach on the plans we have now. It would actually difficult to push through with the plans if we don’t have that kind of support,” says Aquino.

Course offerings in the CIHM include Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management specializing in Cruise Line Management, and Bachelor of Science in Tourism.

CIHM provides Lyceum students the tools to improve their economic status. “You’re aware that many of our students come from the underprivileged class. Helping them look for alternative sources of income helps them develop a positive attitude toward work and life,” says Aquino.

Aquino lauded the establishment of Le Café, an on -campus restaurant operated by students which also serves as their training ground on food and beverage areas. Students also have classes in industry computer application, including Abacus and Fidelio. 

The International Practicum Training Program is one major attraction of CIHM. One of the most popular training programs is a four- to six-month apprenticeship stint in a hotel in Singapore.

Under the program, a Singaporean principal comes to the Philippines annually to search for apprentice students for their hotel client. Lyceum provides an average of 20 students who have to undergo a rigid screening process to qualify. The students also get paid Singaporean $450 per month with board and lodging.

A STUDENT honing her bartending skills.

Aquino says that every student expressed satisfaction after training because it developed their overall personality.

“It’s also a maturing process for some of them. The exposure develops their character, which can be beneficial for them in the long term,” says Aquino.

Dr. Amparo Santos, former dean and currently consultant of the CIHM, evaluates the students by requiring them to e-mail her daily.

The wide network of linkages of CIHM ensures that students get wide exposure in their practicum. In the Philippines Lyceum has linkages with the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Educators of the Philippines, Tourism Educators of Schools, Colleges and Universities, Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines, Tourism Industry Board Foundation Inc., and Council of Hotel, Restaurant and International Education. International linkages include Silpakorn University-Hua Hin-Thailand, Intituto Formacao Turistica-Macau, Dreamsearch International-US and Practicum Agency ServQ-Singapore.

If students want to have their practicum in the country, CIHM has tie-ups with 38 organizations. Among them are Aboitiz Transport Systems, Air Philippines Corp., American Airlines, Asian Spirit, Bayview Park Hotel, Budget Travel and Tours, C.F. Sharp Holdings Inc., Cable Car Restaurants, Cathay Pacific Airlines, Cebu Pacific Airlines and Century Park Hotel, among others.

CIHM also trains students to become entrepreneurs. It has subjects in tourism marketing and travel operations management, among others. At present, CIHM has 4,500 students out of the 9,000 enrollees on the campus.

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BESIDES the landscape of Philippine politics, the Laurel clan also distinguished itself in education by establishing and managing Lyceum of the Philippines University. Lyceum president Roberto P. Laurel has continued to pursue the ideals of the late statesman, former President Jose P. Laurel, by injecting dynamism in the 54-year-old institution through an emphasis on information technology and the hospitality sector, two of fastest-growing sectors of the Philippine economy.

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